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A close-up of a golden-brown crunchy baked mac and cheese dish on a rustic wooden table, topped with crispy breadcrumb crust, cheesy molten interior visible in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of green, styled casually for an inviting homemade look.

Crunchy Baked Mac & Cheese Perfect for Comfort Food Lovers

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Creamy, cheesy baked macaroni with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, baked to golden perfection for maximum comfort and flavor.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 cups milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
  4. Add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
  6. Mix bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor.
  • Use fresh bread crumbs for best crunch, or store-bought if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 460 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg